Homeless animals struggle daily in order to find food and a safe place to sleep. In India, there are approximately 30 million stray dogs fighting for their lives. That’s a startling number, writes ilovemydogsomuch

Thankfully, despite economic hardship, there are rescue groups like Animal Aid, that are determined to help as many animals as they can.

Animal Aid rescuers received a call about a stray dog that collapsed in the middle of the street. He was unable to move. When they arrived, they were struck by his condition. Every bone showed on his body. The kind man, who was ready to do all he could to save his life, could see that this young dog had suffered daily. But despite being weak and very ill, he managed to wag his tail a bit. As if to say “Hi.” and “Thank you.”

The sweet dog, later named Sparkle, was wrapped in a blanket and carefully scooped up. It was time to take him to the Animal Aid sanctuary. He needed immediate medical care.

The vet suspected that the dog was suffering from distemper and he was right. The virus causes diarrhea and loss of appetite. Once the virus is addressed, Sparkle should improve. The sweet boy lay on the exam table and patiently allowed his new human friends to help him.

With antibiotics on board to prevent secondary infection, Sparkle needed rest as well as IV fluids. He was too weak to stand but he approves quickly. Five days later, he’s able to eat on his own! He loves to be held and pet. He’s such a sweetie!

His new caregivers also start Sparkle on physical therapy. He needs to build up his strength and coordination. He smiles through each PT session. Isn’t he adorable?

Twenty days after rescue, Sparkle is still wobbly. But he’s a fighter and his caregivers continue to work hard to get this boy in better shape! In fact, he loves his new friends so much that he takes his first steps on his own, while smiling, in order to give his caregiver a kiss. You have to see it for yourself! He’s amazing!

With continued medical treatment, and lots of love, Sparkle makes marked improvement. You wouldn’t even recognize this sweet boy now. We won’t spoil it for you. To see his total transformation, check out Animal Aid’s video below. We have so much admiration for this incredible organization. We are elated that Sparkle not only survived but is truly happy. He will never be on the streets again!

Source: ilovemydogsomuch.tv

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.